Meet the Team: Amy Vaughn

Amy Vaughn joined APEX Property Services (APS) as division president/brand leader in February 2023. Amy has almost two decades of experience in the commercial service industry, including 17 years in the janitorial field. In her new role, Amy will be responsible for developing, leading and achieving the strategic goals of the division.

“Amy doesn’t just have experience in the janitorial industry; she has experience solving some of the industry’s most pressing problems,” said APEX Group CEO Thomas Holland. “She knows what our clients need and want, and I am confident she will lead a team that delivers unrivaled service and exceeds customer expectations.”

We sat down with Amy to welcome her to the APS team and learn more about her, both personally and professionally.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a native Texan whose heritage traces back to the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. I am also the mother of three beautiful daughters. My two oldest are grown and married, and my youngest will be graduating high school this May. I have two amazing grandkids, one who is 4 years old and the other 9 months old. I love football, baseball and NASCAR. I enjoy cooking out, camping and traveling—anything outdoors, really, or on the water. Give me a nice fire pit, a starry sky, good weather and a glass of wine, and I’m happy. I sometimes hunt deer or go pheasant shooting, so gun ranges are my thing. I do golf, but I am not good at it. I stay pretty busy and don’t feel accomplished if I have a lazy day, but as I age I realize those rest days are needed. I pride myself in helping others. My door is always open, and you can ask me anything.

2. Why did you decide to join the APS team?

My perception of APEX Group as a whole is one of growth and opportunity, both of which are key to developing strong teams and a good culture. During the interview process, I really got to know ownership and the other leaders of the company. Both sides really took the time to make sure this was the right fit. That process enabled me to see that this is a place that truly focuses on employee and customer satisfaction. I am excited to be part of a growing legacy that will impact many lives, and I look forward to developing a team that will change the way the industry sees commercial janitorial services. I also am grateful and thankful for the leaders who have already exhibited support and encouragement for our division.

3. How has your past experience prepared you for your new role?

I’ve been working since I was 14 years old. My very first job was babysitting three kids for a trauma ER nurse. I worked every weekend, from Friday night through Sunday evening, for four years while my friends had sleepovers and mall outings. I never stopped working. I have held a multitude of jobs, from day care teacher to HVAC sales representative to Caterpillar equipment service department team member. I joined the commercial service industry in 2005 and never looked back. There is a saying in our industry that once you join, you never get out. In my 18 years of experience, I have adapted to many industry challenges and changes. I am looking forward to using my abilities to create a culture of respect and admiration for the janitorial industry.

4. What are your hobbies?

I spend pretty much all my downtime with my family. Whether it’s shopping, watching movies or cooking out, we are always together. I enjoy my gym time and focusing on healthy habits. My sister and I try new meal prep ideas weekly and are focused on small health goals this year. I also like reading and am involved in church activities and charity work. I currently volunteer with a nonprofit that rescues sexually exploited women called Valiant Hearts. I have been involved with the group for over two years, and the experience has been extremely humbling.

5. What’s the most interesting article or book you’ve read lately?

Right now I’m reading Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose, Rediscover Your Joy by Bob Goff. He encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus and harness life’s distractions so we can find joy despite our circumstances and talks about how to live a beautiful and purposeful life rather than drifting aimlessly from one season to the next. I basically started 2023 with a reset focus, and this book fits that perfectly.

6. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m a foodie so deciding one meal would be difficult. I always wonder how the people on death row decide their last meal! I would want one of everything. I love sushi, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean . . . the list goes on. Honestly, if I had to choose just one thing, it would be my late grandma’s spaghetti and meatballs. I could eat spaghetti once a week thanks to her! She was Portuguese and made the best meatballs and sauce I have ever tasted.

7. What’s on your bucket list?

I think there is a lot in this short life we all wish we had time to do. I have a whole list of things I want to do, from skydiving to traveling the world to ballroom dancing. However, my greatest wish is to have a significant impact developing safe homes for women and children who are homeless in our own country. They need a place where they can stay long term and receive love and support while learning how to work, keep a budget, pay their bills, etc. They would get counseling, drug rehab services and spiritual support. This is more than a community center, women’s shelter or rehab facility, which are short-term and unstable solutions.